Sheltie Specialty Survey

*Results posted here on 2-8-08 after 301 participants took part in the survey. Please note that some answers may have a number higher than 301 as some participants choose more than one option as their answer. I hope that these results may be a useful tool to those planning an upcoming specialty. I thank all those who took part in the survey!!

SHELTIE SPECIALTIES

Choice	Total	Percent
1. When attending specialties I prefer the location
to be Outside	69	23%
to be Indoors	134	45%
I have no preference	98	33%
Total Number of Choices	301
2. When attending specialties I most often
Stay In a Hotel	182	54%
Stay with a Friend	27	8%
Bring my RV/Trailer to camp in	34	10%
Drive back and forth from home	94	28%
Total Number of Choices	337
3. When I attend a specialty I usually
Enter 1-2 Dogs	205	66%
Enter 3-4 Dogs	61	20%
Enter 5 or more Dogs	11	4%
just come to watch	34	11%
Total Number of Choices	311
4. I feel that
junior showmanship is important and should be offered at a specialty if possible	215	72%
junior showmanship has its place but need not be offered at a specialty	32	11%
I've never thought about it before and have no preference	52	17%
Total Number of Choices	299
5. I feel that
Obedience (and/or Rally) are important and should be offered at a specialty if possible	222	74%
Obedience (and/or Rally) have their place but need not be offered at a specialty	47	16%
I've never thought about this before and have no preference	30	10%
Total Number of Choices	299
6. When I am at a specialty
I expect there to be coffee available	56	19%
I expect there to be coffee and breakfast items available	129	43%
no preference	116	39%
Total Number of Choices	301
7. When I am at a Specialty
I expect drinks and lunch items to be available	184	62%
I do not expect drinks and lunch items to be available	49	16%
no preference	64	22%
Total Number of Choices	297
8. Before entering a specialty
I check for nearby hotels and restaurants	159	53%
I do not check for nearby hotels and restaurants because I assume there will be choices available in the area	83	28%
I don't care if there are nearby hotels and restaurants	35	12%
I don't make plans, I'll worry about it when I get there	23	8%
Total Number of Choices	300
9. If a club were holding back to back specialties I would most prefer
they be held on the same day (AM sweeps and Specialty/PM Specialty with No Sweeps)	82	28%
be held 2 days in a row with Sweeps offered both days	207	72%
Total Number of Choices	289
10. Holding 2 specialties in one day (an AM and a PM show)
Is a great idea	108	36%
Is not a great idea	126	42%
I have never thought about this and have no preference	64	21%
Total Number of Choices	298
11. I have previously attended back to back specialties held on the same day (AM and PM show)
and I would gladly attend them again	58	20%
and I would rather not attend them this way if possible	64	22%
I have never attended a show like this and would like to	94	32%
I have never attended a show like this and would rather not attend 2 shows in one day	74	26%
Total Number of Choices	290
12. I am most likely to attend
A one day specialty	53	16%
Back to Back 2 Day Specialties	199	61%
2 Back to Back in One Day	75	23%
Total Number of Choices	327
13. To attend a specialty I usually travel
up to an hour	11	3%
1-2 hours	54	17%
2-4 hours	149	47%
more than 4 hours	103	32%
Total Number of Choices	317
14. The furthest I have traveled to a specialty (excluding the national) is
under 2 hours	24	8%
2-4 hours	75	25%
4-6 hours	78	26%
6 or more hours	121	41%
Total Number of Choices	298
15. Hospitality at a specialty such as offering a casual wine (or non alcoholic drink) and cheese reception, pot luck dinner, or other open social event during a weekend of specialties
is something I enjoy and attend whenever possible	122	41%
is something that I think I would enjoy and like to attend if offered	86	29%
does not interest me to attend	32	11%
I have no preference either way	59	20%
Total Number of Choices	299
16. If a visiting hour with the other exhibitors and their dogs at the show site were offered
I would likely attend and offer my dogs to those who would like to go over them and ask to go over others dogs	208	71%
I would attend and ask to go over others dogs but not put mine out	28	10%
I would attend and put my dogs out but not go over other dogs	11	4%
I would probably not attend	45	15%
Total Number of Choices	292
17. I am most likely to enter a specialty based upon
Where it is located	112	25%
Who the judges are	197	44%
Whether my dogs are in coat or not	111	25%
I usually enter the same shows every year regardless of other factors	30	7%
Total Number of Choices	450
18. I prefer to enter specialty shows under
A Breeder Judge	242	84%
an All Breed Judge	47	16%
Total Number of Choices	289
19. Out of the following two choices I would prefer to enter under
A breeder judge	148	50%
A provisional breeder judge	32	11%
No preference	118	40%
Total Number of Choices	298
20. I have been involved in showing shelties for
less than 2 years	11	4%
2-5 years	27	9%
5-10 years	51	17%
more than 10 years	206	70%
Total Number of Choices	295
21. I feel most comfortable
at a specialty show	91	30%
at an all breed show	60	20%
I have never thought about it	156	51%
Total Number of Choices	307
22. Generally when I attend a specialty show
I know most of the other people there	137	46%
I know some of the other people there	141	48%
I knew very few people there	17	6%
Total Number of Choices	295
23. When I attend a show I
am likely to introduce myself to others whom I haven't met before	87	29%
not likely to introduce myself to others whom I haven't met before	47	16%
would like to meet more people but I am shy or feel intimidated so I do not introduce myself often	103	34%
I haven't thought about this before and have no preference	64	21%
Total Number of Choices	301
24. Feeling comfortable at a show and socializing with others
is important to me and I usually feel this way at shows	125	42%
is important to me but I don't always feel this way at shows because I sometimes feel shy or intimidated	115	38%
is not important to me	18	6%
I have never given this any thought and have no preference	41	14%
Total Number of Choices	299
25. If an educational opportunity (such as Breeder's Discussion Panel) were offered at a Specialty
I would be more likely to attend that specialty	82	27%
It would not affect my choice to attend/enter the specialty, however I would most likely attend the education event	195	65%
I am unlikely to attend the discussion or other educational opportunity	22	7%
Total Number of Choices	299
26. Assuming there is no cost involved to participate If I had to choose one of the following my first choice would be
Breeders' discussion panel	103	33%
Visiting Hour with the other Breeders and their dogs	106	34%
Mini Hands on Seminar (such as a handling clinic etc)	105	33%
Total Number of Choices	314
27. I would be most interested in
attending a wine (or non alcoholic drink) and cheese type reception with the other exhibitors	120	39%
attending a pot luck dinner at the show site with the other exhibitors	150	49%
I would not be interested in attending either of these	36	12%
Total Number of Choices	306
28. If stud dog and brood bitch classes were offered
I would most likely enter one or both of these classes	26	9%
I may enter these classes on occasion	130	44%
I probably wouldn't enter these classes but would enjoy watching them	125	42%
I probably would not enter these classes and have no interested in watching them	16	5%
Total Number of Choices	297
29. In general my favorite kinds of trophies/prizes are
Silver and Crystal type trophies	35	10%
Hand crafted/painted sheltie breed items	136	39%
Useful items such as show leads, water buckets, and dog beds	167	48%
Other	13	4%
Total Number of Choices	351
30. I would be most satisfied with the following prize (for WD, WB, Best in Sweeps etc)
Hand Painted/Hand Crafted Breed Memento	108	26%
Pin Brush with Sheltie Painted on it	71	17%
Show leads, buckets, toys, aprons, butt towels, etc....possibly several items grouped together	139	33%
Artwork	66	16%
Crystal, Glass, or Silver Trophy	35	8%
Total Number of Choices	419
31. As a prize for first place in each class I would be most satisfied to receive
A breed memento	149	38%
Stainless Steel Bucket	70	18%
A good Quality Spray Bottle (such as the "Horse Sprayers")	64	16%
A nylon show lead	52	13%
Plush Dog Toy	60	15%
Total Number of Choices	395
32. I would be most likely to enter under a judge who
is from my area of the country	9	3%
is not from my area of the country	65	22%
is from Canada	8	3%
I have no preference	219	73%
Total Number of Choices	301
33. When having my sheltie photographed for a show win I prefer
my dogs to always be on the ground	47	16%
my dog to be on a nice wooden platform (approx 6" high) common for group photos etc	77	26%
depends on the dog but I like it when a platform is available	103	34%
I really don't think about these things	73	24%
Total Number of Choices	300
34. The reason I am most likely to attend a specialty is (other than hoping to put points on a dog) is
Have fun and socialize with other sheltie folks	104	27%
Start puppies and prospects in a quieter atmosphere than an all breed show can offer	60	16%
Meet more sheltie folks and increase my education about the breed and showing	88	23%
Look for possible stud dogs to use for my girls	48	13%
Have others evaluate my dogs and give me insight on my breeding program	10	3%
Showcase a particular dog(s) of my own that I feel is an exceptional example of the breed	55	14%
Other	18	5%
Total Number of Choices	383
35. The SECOND reason I am most likely to enter a specialty........
Have fun and socialize with other sheltie folks	93	27%
Start puppies and prospects in a quieter atmosphere than an all breed show can offer	68	20%
Meet more sheltie folks and increase my education about the breed and showing	59	17%
Look for possible stud dogs for my girls	55	16%
Have others evaluate my dogs and give me insight on my breeding program	22	6%
Showcase a particular dog(s) of my own that I feel is an exceptional example of the breed	32	9%
Other	19	5%
Total Number of Choices	348

36. Comments?

(82622) - This is a great survey
(82556) - Obedience and Rally would be very important to me.
(82167) - I think that offering a wine and cheese/pot luck dinner or something of the sort is GREAT. I love to see these things and may be more likely to attend a specialty that offered more stuff like this. You can't win everything but it sure makes a weekend great when everyone socializes and has a great time!
(82095) - Nice survey
(81964) - Good survey
(81720) - I attend specialties because they are judged by breeder judges. I would not go out of my way to attend a specialty judged by an all breed judge. I feel that breeder judges are more knowledgeable about the details of our breed. I also like to attend specialties in order to look at the other entries and see what virtues are coming from different families and which combinations are producing things that I value.
(81697) - Selection of the judge is probably the most important criteria as far as I'm concerned.
(81665) - I perhaps should not have done this survey..as I have collies not shelties..but most of the questions easily pertain to both breeds
(81654) - this is realy good
(81643) - Nice job on putting this togather
(81640) - Most of your questions pertain to Breed showing and not Rally or Obedience. I answered to what mostly pertains to venues I show in. But, these are very good points to consider in preparing for a Specialty. Thanks. Laura Calci
(81629) - #32: When picking a judge, it is a matter of integrity of the judge, and knowledge about how they judge. I do not want to show under political judges or I can't afford to waste entry fees and travel expenses on judges who do not like my type. We have gone to some specialties that offer snacks or appetizer types foods all day. I've been to some that just serve lunch for free instead of running a food table. (drinks all day though are for sale). Juniors: This is important: The most success breed programs offer juniors. The juniors come to the show, and the most talented and most interested go on to help handlers and learn a great deal about the breed. They are the future. Also, it helps our breed... Many new judges make sure they can judge juniors as it helps them get more assignments. As they see more confident juniors showing our breed, it helps them understand how Shelties are shown. As more juniors make it to Eukanuba and Westminster limited shows, it makes junior judges HAVE TO learn more about presenting the breed, which begins by reading the standard and National club publications. Many of these judges add more breeds to their judging repertoire, and they are now more educated about our breed - and that started with a success national and local specialty clubs encouraging juniors.
(81587) - What I dislike about specialties is when adequate grooming space is not available and only the professional handlers and folks with a pack of dogs gets reserved special spot grooming. The rest of us are on our own.
(81583) - I have only entered my rescue sheltie in obedience at a speciality and obedience and agility at the National in Virginia Beach..I now co-own a show hopeful with her breeder..My answers may change with future experience
(81570) - my primary reason for going to specialties is to have my dogs evaluated by breeder judges and other brreders and exhibitors I respect. I also like to view the collective quality of the dogs entered. There is less mediocrity at specialties relative to all-breed shows so I use specialties as my reality check tool to help me assess where my porgram is and where it should be.
(81560) - Good idea about the input from others. Would like to see what the answers are for Sheltie people. This is a study that could also help regular Shows as well.
(81515) - good area to exercise the dogs with garbage cans & baggies available - host hotel also. Erin, if I had time to ponder right now, after doing CSSA 06 Nat'l I'm sure I could offer some other items of insight. Maureen
(81508) - Not showing Shelties yet, but plan to. Have shown and done obedience a little bit in the past (60's and 70's). What goes around is sure to come around I guess.
(81504) - Because I am currently showing my shelties in performance events and no longer showing in breed, some of my answers go back to the time when I was showing in breed and attending specialties. Very well-thought-out survey, but I would add a question, at the beginning of the survey, that gives one a place to say what their current interest in shelties is (such as Obedience, Rally, etc.) and then a NA (not applicable) check box on the questions that follow.
(81488) - Not crazy over breeder judges as they don't really judge the whole sheltie, even though they should, but either heads or movement and it should be a package PLUS they tend to be very political
(81484) - thank you
(81483) - Very thorough survey. Well thought out.
(81481) - Thanks for the opportunity to voice my opinions, this kind of discussion can only help specialties increase attendance and create awareness, which will hopefully help us all breed better dogs.
(81470) - Can't wait to hear the results.
(81458) - Very little is offered for Sheltie Juniors compared to Juniors with other breeds (Aussies, Collies, etc). Juniors should definitaly at least be offered even though entries may not be numerous. It's important to encourage the Juniors! Prizes for first through fourth place in Juniors classes is a very nice thing to do for the kids. They're so happy to come away with even a little something. I've been to specialties where Purina and Eukanuba provided lots of nice prizes for free when asked by the club. Thanks for doing this survey!
(81357) - some of your questions are vague. I chose more than one answer as those answers are correct for me. Some questions needmore than one answer to be correct.
(81342) - Great survey, but maybe next time include questions for those who have never alltended a specialty or who have dogs doing performance events at specialties, not just conformation.
(81338) - Both my shelties are neutered. But I go to specialties for Obedience and Rally. Because: the trials are smaller and less stressful. And one can see good shelties working. I would love to have a second sheltie specialty in my area.
(81324) - Judges are the final determination for entering--not location or indoor/outdoor. Will travel for a good panel. Don't even enter under the judges who are not respected any longer. Good questionnaire. Free win photos is another "welcome" trophy. Also, cash for BBEX is always welcome. Something social with back-to-back specialties is a plus, but is not the "reason" to attend. I want a knowledgeable, fair judge most of all. They are not always easy to find. Provisional judges should be given a chance, and I don't always have to win--but there should be some consistency to the choices made and a pattern. If the judge is inconsistent and obviously is political, there won't be a another chance. Trophies are never the overriding reason to attend!
(81316) - I would really like to have the specialty shows be held in the hotels rather than having to find a hotel and then also travel back and forth to the show grounds. I do realize that it is not the easiest thing to do but would certainly preferred.
(81314) - I only show obedience & agility so lots of this does not apply to me but it is interesting. I want to learn more about the breed but dropped my membership in our local club. It was a group of old ladies & all they talked about was sweeps although none of them show anything right now.
(81310) - Great survey. On the last two questions, I go to see other people's dogs and their breeding programs to see what I might find to add. Also to see dogs in person instead of pictures and websites.
(81309) - I live in Hawaii--thus it is a bit different compared to most specailties held on the mainland.
(81306) - I am a newbie, so I may have answered these questions differently had I been in the breed longer like I have with my cat breed.
(81304) - I am unlikely to go if there is no performance offered and there is performance offered the same weekend within 4 hours (obedience, agility or tracking -- will not travel 4 hours for rally)
(81302) - Obviously I filled in more than one response in several categories because I felt the need to point out more than one thing ... hope it doesn't goof up your results . - sharon
(81298) - Most of the questions should be multiple choice, not either or.
(81290) - I hope these answers are of use to you, as I live in Australia and own Can/Aus.Grand Ch. GrandGables Home Town Hero [imp.USA].
(81283) - Many of these questions could have easily had more than one answer to suit me.
(81282) - I have only ever entered an obedience trial in conjuction with a specialty and don't do conformation so I only answered the 2 questions. Not very satisfactory for your survey I'm sure, but hope that others will answer and the survey will be of benifit too all.
(81226) - The two sheltie specialties I used to attend changed their location and time of year for their show. Ex. Over 100 miles away in February!!! and the other nearly 200 miles away in Nov. I am now unable to attend !! and miss going !! Why the emphasis on Breed queastions at a Specialty?
(81219) - excellent survey!!! Love the breeder discussion & evaluation ideas.
(81193) - I like all three in number 26
(81171) - When looking at judges I also look for who they owe before I entry
(81167) - great idea, some excellent questions, well thought out Erin! Thx.
(81162) - Great survey! Due to the highly political nature of dog shows, introducing a 'less' known judge in the local areas I believe is important and keeps the political side of specialties as 'fair'. Many of us stay away because we already know who is going to win due to the person at the end of the leash. Good job! Thank you!
(81159) - Erin this is a excellent survery. I hope its for our local club , well Your local club to take a great update and spin on things. I have been gone for awhile because my health has not been great but things are starting to get better and I am going to be out and about this spring with Noah :)))) I miss you all and hope your dad is doing well !!! TTYS Christine Elliott-Meacham
(81135) - Thanks for doing this.....I really enjoyed taking it........
(81116) - Q#31: Any of these would be a great class trophy.
(81090) - #34 - I attend to support the efforts of a local breed club. If we don't support these clubs regularly they will fail.
(81089) - I really do like artwork/breed momentos for prizes but my idea of a nice piece of artwork and someone else's are usually very different. That is why I listed useful items rather than breed items for prizes. I do think the judges make the final decision on whether I will attend a specialty but I won't waste my money if my dogs aren't in good condition. I feel that I am a extremely approachable person but have trouble approaching other people at shows. My friends that I do have I am very close to but am always open to anyone that speaks to me. I think if the show were back to back on the same day I don't think I would be up for a full dinner following a full days showing. I might just want to pack up and go home. I like the idea of a back to back on the same day to save on cost of a room if I have traveled. Besides, my dogs usually show better the second time around when they have settled in. ;-)

(81079) - I would like more breeders to have a chance to mingle and talk dogs and learn about each others lines. I also wish more owners of quality producing studs would have a venue to show off these males even though they are no longer actively competing in the conformation ring. Obviously if these dogs are shelved at home - we can't have access to readily seeing what may be available to help us in our own breeding program without having to run hither and yond making personal visits which may be very inconvenient to both parties.

(81070) - Sanction match prior to the show would be good, especially with young dogs not familar with show atmospher - I would also like to see a ring away from the Judging to allow practise with a dog

(81068) - With gas prices so high it would be fun to have a two day shelties show.

(81066) - There were several questions that all of the answers applied...so choosing one was difficult.

(81063) - nice survey, look forward to seeing the results! FWIW, I don't show in breed very much.

(81057) - I actually like to go to specialties to look at what others are producing to learn more about the breed by watching what is being shown I also enjoy competing in sheltie only obedience and rally classes. When I show i base weather I enter on judges first distance second and desire third donna cassista

(81045) - Another interesting idea is to have a silent auction. I've found that they engage people more often as well as generate revenue. Hi Erin, Good luck with your survey! I would also include a question about the day of a specialty. e.g. Would you prefer a weekend specialty or weekday? As a person who works, it is difficult to take too many days off. Rod Oishi

(80995) - Good thoughts. Some questions were difficult to answer in one statement- often it depends on circumstances- or more than one apply!

(80976) - Hope it is OK that some Q's got two answers as both were very fitting to my situation. One HUGE concern for me that I never used to think about before was the venue being handicapped-friendly. I have a few injuries resulting in my needing a wheelchair or crutches for mobility. Most places are VERY frustrating for me.

(80956) - I live in a very remote part of the country. It is 200 miles to the nearest Speciality, which is in Carson City, NV

(80950) - Excellent survey, Erin, and hopefully will result in more specialties!! :)

(80948) - I am mostly a obedience (and other performance) person and would love to go to more specialties in my area that offer obedience. I would be much more likly to go if I could enter breed and obedience. I have not been to a specialty in the Pacific Northwest that offers obedience.

(80945) - I attend specialties to hopefully see more quality shelties at one location and have an opportunity to socialize/network with other sheltie people.

(80944) - Erin, What a great and venturesome idea! I hope you post the results at some point. Gini Shaw, Shallimar Shelties

(80943) - On some of these questions I have checked two answers as they apply

(80932) - Super survey. I omitted some answers cause the only specialties I've attended are those put on ay my own club and CSSA and ASSA Nationals. The next nearest to home is a 10 hour drive away.

(80929) - After answering all the above questions I would like to add that perhaps the survey should be divided into Breeders who have been showing many years and those just starting out. I have been showing for 31 years have 13 Homebred Ch Owner Handled and one Not Homebred and now out with a Handler as a Special with 71 BOB going for Century Club. Specialty Clubs should have Breeder Judges. They have more Breed Education than All Breed Judges. It's obvious. Attend a National Judges Education Seminar and do it more than once not the mentoring Seminar, the Judges Education Seminar I have done 3 you will always learn more each time. Meals-lunches at the show site are great. Detroit has a wonderful catered lunch buy tickets ahead of time etc. After the show everyone who wants to goes out to Dinner-wonderful time is had by all. Three Rivers is the same. Trophies -if you have been in it long enough other than a Nice Specialty BOB Trophy I don't need any more "DUST COllectors" Most people have enough Water Bottles, Buckets ,Leashes, Brushes, etc as we are a Show Kennel. With price of Gas, Entries, & Hotels make a nice little card and give MONEY. The RV people can sure use MONEY. Who cares where the Judge is from aare you bringing in a Judge that is going to put you up or are you bringing in a Judge who will Judge the DOG and not the other end of the lead. But I still want a Specialty with a Breeder Judge and feel Specialties should be seperate from all Breed Shows to make it Special

(80889) - I'd like to hear the eventual survey answers? It'll help our club with our Specialty

(80887) - I personaly would be open on the prizes for myself. I have never owned a dog I felt was worthy of a specialty yet. I have been to a couple and having lunch there was alway nice. But where I live we don't have shows so have a specialty with an all breed is great too. It is so nice to have more show available to show at this way. I have loved going to the social the AZ people do after shows they are so much fun. Also give you a chance to meet new people in the breed. The las vegas sheltie club would love to see what results you get too. we are just starting back out again too.

(80846) - It is also very nice at a Specialty to have a breeder judge evaluate your dogs as they will know the finer points of the breed

(80811) - I don't travel to specialties very often because I do mostly performance training, but I enter any specialty in my area and travel to a few IF they are in conjunction with an all breed show and performance events (particularly agility)

(80801) - nice questions. some I had to check more than one

(80779) - I did not answer 18 because there is no place for no preferance

(80697) - My answers are based upon past experience since I haven't been able to travel for the past few years

(80692) - This is an interesting survey...some of the questions were hard to have one answer.

(80677) - When we come to the specialty that your club has, we always enjoy it, the atmosphere is always exceptional.

(80669) - thank you for the great survey!

(80632) - If I am very busy with grooming and have limited time to talk to people, I may socialize after the pressure is off - not to say that I am unsociable.

(80607) - Great survey.....I really hope you will share the results!!

(80584) - While I enjoy the comforts of a show building if the weather is nice I enjoy the dogs outside so a place with indoor/outdoor options is good. I prefer the dogs to be photographed outside if possible. Practical prizes are good. Though it wasn't a choice I think a gift card would be nice too to fast food, Starbucks things like that for prizes.

(80575) - great survey. I answered the way I did on obedience and juniors because at least in our area there are very few juniors and our club stopped doing obedience because none of the performance folks would donate trophies or help. we were losing money on judges.